Ica and its wines

The Ica region, located on the southern coast of Peru, is the heart of the country's wine production and is famous for its intense, aromatic and full-bodied wines, as well as for producing Pisco, the famous Peruvian spirit.

Thanks to the a desert climate with wide temperature swings, the proximity of the Pacific Ocean and the sandy, clay soils, viticulture in Ica enjoys ideal conditions for the production of structured red wines and aromatic whites. The most widely planted grape varieties include Quebranta, Negra Criolla, Albilla, Italia and Moscatel, used both for wine production and for Pisco.

What is the Ica wine district?

Ica is the heart of Peruvian viticulture, with over 90% of wine and Pisco production of the country. The wineries of the region combine tradition and modernity, using both ancestral winemaking methods and advanced oenological techniques.

The main appellations and production of the region include:

• Intense, aromatic red wines → Based on local and international grape varieties.
• Sweet and fortified wines → Made from Moscatel and Albilla, with great aromatic concentration.
• Pisco → The flagship spirit of Peru, made with native grapes such as Quebranta and Italia.

The Great Wine Areas of Ica

1. The Ica Valley

• Main grape varieties: Quebranta, Negra Criolla, Italia.
• Style: Full-bodied reds and aromatic whites, with a strong desert influence.
• Main production: Pisco, sweet wines and spicy reds.

2. The Pisco Valley

• Main grape varieties: Albilla, Moscatel, Torontel.
• Style: Fresh, aromatic whites, also used to make Pisco.
• Main production: White wines and aromatic Pisco.

3. The Chincha Valley

• Main grape varieties: Quebranta, Negra Criolla, Italia.
• Style: Robust red wines and fruity whites.
• Main production: Pure Pisco and dessert wines.

Characteristics of the Wines of Ica

Colour

• Reds: Intense ruby red with purple reflections.
• Whites: Straw yellow with golden shades.
• Sweet and Fortified: Amber with coppery highlights.

Aromas

• Fruity: Tropical fruits, citrus, peach in the whites; ripe red fruits in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the whites; violet in the reds.
• Spicy and Oxidative: Notes of caramel and honey in the sweet wines.

Palate

• Fresh and Aromatic: In the whites from Albilla and Moscatel.
• Full-bodied and Structured: In the reds based on Quebranta and Negra Criolla.
• Sweet and Enveloping: In the fortified wines and the dessert wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Ica

White Grape Varieties

• Albilla: Aromatic and fruity, used for white wines and Pisco.
• Italy: Intense and floral, used in sweet wines and in Pisco.
• Moscatel: Fragrant and spicy, perfect for aromatic and fortified wines.

Black Grape Varieties

• Quebranta: The most widespread grape for Pisco, with fruity and spicy notes.
• Negra Criolla: Full-bodied and soft, with well-balanced tannins.
• Torontel: Aromatic and floral, used both for wines and for Pisco.

Why Choose a Wine from Ica?

A wine from the Ica region is a unique sensory experience, combining the Peruvian wine tradition with an extraordinary terroir. Perfect to accompany seafood dishes, ceviche, chargrilled meat and typical Peruvian desserts, the wines of Ica offer freshness, intensity and great aromatic expression.Read more: five centuries of the history of viticulture in Ica are reconstructed in The Forgotten Wine (M. Enna, Edith L.B.), an essay on the oldest vines in South America.